Leon Edwards’ display at UFC 296 bowls fans over… as ‘focused’ performance shows he is ‘levels above’ Colby Covington as ‘one of the best pound for pound fighters in the world’

Leon Edwards is being praised for 'proving' he is 'levels' above Colby Covington with a statement win at UFC 296.

In what was a fairly disappointing match considering Covington's lack of production, Edwards maintained control to earn the victory by unanimous decision.

The Brit executed a leg-kick-heavy game plan as he canceled out most of Covington's takedown attempts to score 49-46 on all three scorecards.

But instead of focusing on the lack of highlight moments from the fight, UFC fans focused on the gulf between the fighters, only reinforcing their belief that Edwards is one of the best pound-for-pound fighters in the world .

“Leon Edwards froze Colby Covington today,” one fan wrote.

“Colby couldn't afford to be reckless in his submissions, like he's against everyone else, because he knew Leon could shoot him.

“He's one of the best fighters in the world and he was on the same level as Colby.”

A second wrote: 'Seeing Leon Edwards rise above the BS, stay focused and put in another incredible performance is so admirable. To make a bow.'

The “BS” referenced refers to the build-up to the fight in which Covington made a morbid reference to Edwards' late father.

“After so much talk leading up to the fight, disparaging Edwards and mentioning his late father, Covington seemed terrified of talking to the champion,” another fan summarized afterwards.

“Good to see @leon_edwardsmma was able to keep his cool and show the world what he's made of.”

Another fan wrote: 'That's the way to do business.'

Professional UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili wrote: 'Congratulations @leon_edwardsmma great achievement.'

“This fight was very emotional for me,” Edwards said after his unanimous victory. 'This man used my father's death as entertainment. He used my father's murder as entertainment, and it took a lot for me to calm down, stay focused, and win this fight.

“I talked to my coaches, I talked to my mom, and I shut it all down.”

He continued: 'After the press conference I went backstage and cried with anger. You can't use my father's death as entertainment, and that's what he did.

'To this day it still breaks my heart that he was murdered. He said my father should burn in hell.'

Edwards then wrapped up his post-fight interview with a provocative assessment of Covington's character.

“He's a great competitor, but just a dirty person.”